In Their Own Words

Kids Talk about Their CFKF Instruments

"I never really knew what "good" violin was until today when I saw these. I mean they are beautiful, I felt like our orchestra meant something to receive something so precious." - Kate

"This instrument has a great tone!! I think it looks very professional! I love the bow! It moves like it is on air! I would think anybody in the world would be lucky to have this beautiful instrument in their hands. Thank you so much! I really appreciate opportunity." - Denise

"When my bow touched the strings, I felt like I was in a different place. I don't know what you did to make them so good, but they are; and it was very hard for me to pass them along!" - Jessie

"This violin is amazingly graceful and smooth. The bow feels natural and light, like I've been playing it for years. Thank you so much for these astounding instruments, I can't wait to play them some more!" - Julia

"This instrument is one of the most beautiful instruments I have ever played. I love the design, and the texture the violin has. It has beautiful strings, which sound rich and deep. You have helped future string players, by providing them a wonderful instrument to play on, these are wonderful instruments!" - Willia

"This instrument is beyond excellent. It has beautiful sound when you play it. The violin is all around gorgeous. Thank you for the instruments, future students are going to love them." - Courtney

Parents

"My son was blown away by what Michael Reynolds could do on the cello."

"They talked about him for weeks. They tried to mimic his playing."

Partners

The streamlined grant process that Classics for Kids uses is sheer pleasure--such a refreshing change from the norm! Once we sent our matching funds in, the instruments arrived very quickly, all packed up safely and arriving in one large shipment. The instruments themselves will improve our collection enormously, with our youngest and intermediate students getting to upgrade their instruments thanks to CFKF's wonderful support.
- Mary Jaffee, Executive Director, Project STEP, Symphony Hall, Boston, MA

It was a pleasure to work with you and the Classics for Kids foundation. We are very pleased with the new string instruments we were able to obtain with our partnership. Our students in the CMCB Strings Outreach program (which provides lessons to students in Boston's elementary schools) have been delighted to be playing violins and cellos that look great and sound great! The kids have a real sense of pride in these instruments and they take pride in learning how to play them.
-Ann Miklich, Chair, String Department, String Outreach Coordinator, Community Music Center of Boston

"We loved it! It's been a real energizer for us."

"It was incredible to have someone of his caliber here. Everyone was in awe."

"This experience proved to be a great motivator, both for students and the strings teacher. He is kind and gentle in his approach but at the same time imparts his high expectations of the children."

Students Talk about Mike Reynolds

"It was what everyone needed. We actually saw what we could do if we worked hard."

"It increased my appreciation of music."

"Thank you soooooo much for teaching the music to us. You are an amazing player. I loved all the pieces we played it sounded great."

"I really appreciate you coming back again this year. I had so much fun and learned new songs for my instrument. You are an amazing cello player and I hope to be as good as you one day."

Teachers Talk about Mike Reynolds

"It was great; it was the most beautiful thing given to the students aside from the violins. It meant a great deal to the students that a professional musician cared enough to come from Boston."

"He was the best presenter ever. He was the only one that I've ever seen connect with the kids."

"He has a mastery of the subject, critiques in a non-threatening way and gets them fired up for music."

It was very apparent that the faculty and students were excited to have you on their campuses, and for the opportunity to learn from you. Rarely have I seen so attentive and interested a group of students. They hung on your every word." - Ronald E. Singleton, Director of Resource Development Stafford County Public Schools